a curated collection of

hedonisms

Escubac

a herbal liqueur made by Combier for Sweetdram in Saumur, France

Drawing inspiration from a British herbal liqueur popular in France around 1700 called usquebaugh, this is a modern interpretation aimed at being a juniper-free gin substitute. Technically, it's a liqueur, since the distillate is sweetened with raisins and sugar; but the sweetness is in the orders of magnitude of an Old Tom gin rather than a proper sweetening liqueur.

Taste

Big nose of licorice and bitter orange; reminiscent of Jägermeister or Cynar. Pleasantly light in the mouth, like a very elegant, transparent amaro - mint, anise over heavier woods and a dash of vanilla. Long black pepper finish.

Purchased by the author online at Masters of Malt.

Pairs with